According to Jen, a simile is like a cup of tea made from pre-used grounds. Metaphors, meanwhile, crush it in the comparison competition. Jamie says, “not all metaphors are similes, but all similes are metaphors. Or something.” Confused? You won’t be, after this episode of The Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast.
Sprint Prompt: Spend the entire sprint crafting one extended metaphor.
[Read more…] about 316: More Than “Like” and “As”: Using Metaphors and Similes to Strengthen Your WritingWeather is more than background scenery—it can shape mood, reveal character, heighten tension, and even point readers toward deeper spiritual truths. In this episode of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast, we explore how to write the weather with purpose and power. From snowstorms that trap characters together to heat that frays tempers, we’ll talk about using weather as a storytelling tool rather than filler. Whether you write romance, fantasy, historicals, or suspense, this episode will help you make the forecast work for your story, not against it.
Sprint Prompt: snow, wind, silence, shelter, wait
[Read more…] about 315: How to Write Weather in Fiction | Setting, Mood, and AtmosphereJoin us for a thoughtful and faith-centered conversation about AI and the indie author. In this episode, the hosts of the Christian Indie Writers Podcast explore how artificial intelligence fits into the modern self-publishing workflow, from brainstorming and drafting to book formatting tips, metadata, and indie author distribution. We’ll discuss what AI can do well, where caution and discernment are needed, and how Christian writers can steward technology without compromising creativity, calling, or integrity. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or already experimenting, this episode will help you navigate AI as a tool—not a replacement—for the author God created you to be.
Sprint Prompt:: quarrel, unfair, remember, bird, breakfast
[Read more…] about 314: AI and the Indie AuthorJoin us for an exciting look into host Christina Catane’s freshly created game plan for moving her writing career forward! This episode is sure to provide hints, tips, and inspiration for you to get your own writing career back on track for 2026!
Sprint Prompt: quarrel, unfair, remember, bird. breakfast
[Read more…] about 313: Rhythm, Routine, Revamp: How a Christian Indie Author Boosted Productivity‘Tis the Season for…Hallmark Christmas movies!! They are so popular! Of course, they have big Hollywood-style money behind them, and can afford to deck the halls and hire…whomever!…to star in them! You don’t have any of that, but you do have us! Previously, we’ve shown you how you can turn any plot into a Hallmark hit. This week, we’ll help you craft a Hallmark Christmas story hunk – a hero worthy of the “Big H” stamp of approval!
During an episode at the end of October, 2025, Jen mentioned her plan to complete one writing sprint per day. Jamie and Tina thought they might jump in as well, and this was the beginning of the first ever Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast 30 Days of Writing Sprints challenge! Patreon Supporters and Indie Authors joined us for the journey, and today we celebrate the sprinting, shenanigans, and support we experienced all month long. Join us on this episode to celebrate the successes of our supporters and to find out the answer to the burning questions, “how did we do?” and, “Will we repeat this challenge?”
Sprint Prompt:: “I swear, I’m only wearing this flannel because every clean shirt I own mysteriously smells like peppermint.”
[Read more…] about 312: From Brooding CEO to Lumberjack: Your Guide to Writing Hallmark HunksDuring an episode at the end of October, 2025, Jen mentioned her plan to complete one writing sprint per day. Jamie and Tina thought they might jump in as well, and this was the beginning of the first ever Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast 30 Days of Writing Sprints challenge! Patreon Supporters and Indie Authors joined us for the journey, and today we celebrate the sprinting, shenanigans, and support we experienced all month long. Join us on this episode to celebrate the successes of our supporters and to find out the answer to the burning questions, “how did we do?” and, “Will we repeat this challenge?”
Sprint Prompt:: estate, left, spell, craft, member
[Read more…] about 311: 30 Days of Writing Sprints Challenge RecapIIn this third episode about Distribution, we cover the next steps to bridge the gap between “my book is finished!” and “My book is published!” We’ll help you put the finishing touches on your book. From front matter to fonts to flow, we’ve got you covered (pun intended)! It’s an episode you won’t want to miss, and one you’ll want to return to several times as you move forward with publication.
Prompt: Chain, fire, bread, path, trust
[Read more…] about 310: How to Publish Your Book Step-by-Step: Part 3: DistributionIn this second episode about Formatting and Distribution, we cover the next steps to bridge the gap between “my book is finished!” and “My book is published!” We’ll help you put the finishing touches on your book. From front matter to fonts to flow, we’ve got you covered (pun intended)! It’s an episode you won’t want to miss, and one you’ll want to return to several times as you move forward with publication.
Sprint Prompt:: Unanswered Prayers — a prayer that wasn’t answered the way expected.
[Read more…] about 309: How to Publish Your Book Step-by-Step: Part 2: Formatting
Jenifer Carll-Tong is the best-selling author of historical Christian romances and co-host of the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast.
Ever been in the middle of a writing sprint when suddenly… nothing? Your fingers hover over the keyboard, your character is frozen in place, and your brain has left the chat. Don’t worry — you’re not alone!
In this episode of The Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast, we’re talking about what to do when the words stop flowing mid-sprint. From losing track of your plot to realizing your character feels like a puppet, we’re breaking down the most common sprint roadblocks and showing you quick, practical ways to get unstuck — without killing your momentum.
[Read more…] about 308: When the Words Stop Flowing: Getting Unstuck During Writing SprintsJenifer Carll-Tong is the best-selling author of historical Christian romances and co-host of the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast.
Are you confused about what to do between writing, “The End”, and hitting publish? Does it all seem overcomplicated and way too techy? We got you! Join us today as we attempt to simplify the process of ISBN’s, Formatting and Distribution.
[Read more…] about 307: How to Publish Your Book Step-by-Step: ISBNs, Formatting & Distribution Made Simple, Part 1Jenifer Carll-Tong is the best-selling author of historical Christian romances and co-host of the Christian Indie Writers’ Podcast.
